Overregulating the chemistry industry jeopardizes innovation, jobs, and economic growth. Learn more.

  • Read time: 2 minutes
  • Press Release

ACC Statement on EPA’s Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution

CONTACT US
Matthew Kastner
CONTACT US

WASHINGTON (April 21, 2023) — Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution. The following statement can be attributed to Joshua Baca, vice president of plastics at the American Chemistry Council (ACC):

“The EPA and America’s plastic makers share the same goal: preventing plastic pollution. These words are backed by the billions of dollars plastic makers have invested to scale up a circular economy to help keep plastics from entering the environment, conserve natural resources by recycling valuable plastic materials, and shrink the environmental footprint of manufacturing.

“Some components of EPA’s draft strategy align with the federal policy proposal from America’s plastic makers, detailed in our 5 Actions for Sustainable Change, such as expanding recycling capacity and public education on recycling.

“However, other components of the strategy risk sending plastic manufacturing and jobs overseas where plastic is often made with less stringent environmental standards and more greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We caution the Administration that prescribing alternative materials, capping plastic production or limiting innovative recycling technologies could work against its climate objectives as plastic almost always has a lower lifecycle GHG footprint compared to paper and metal.

“Healthy and sustainable 21st century life relies on plastics for safe food and water, fuel-efficient cars, affordable healthcare, and connectivity.

“ACC will submit comments on EPA’s draft strategy and looks forward to working with the Agency to prevent plastic pollution and increase the reuse and recycling of plastics.”

American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division

The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic MakersSM and the half million+ scientists, engineers, technicians, and other innovators who make plastics for many essential and lifesaving products that are vital to modern life. America’s Plastic Makers continue to embrace change. We’re linking innovation with sustainability, deploying next generation technologies to make plastics lighter, stronger, more efficient and more recyclable, so we can meet our goal for 100% of U.S. plastic packaging to be reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. We’re making sustainable change to help build a cleaner, safer, more sustainable future for generations to come. 

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.